July 4 events bring promise of comprehensive police security plan

The Atlanta Police Department promises that a comprehensive security plan is in place for Atlanta’s July 4 celebrations, including the AJC Peachtree Road Race and the family entertainment and fireworks show at Lenox Square both in Buckhead.

“We’ve spent countless hours training and preparing for the annual Fourth of July events,” said Chief George N. Turner in a prepared statement at the end of this past week. “We are prepared and ready to protect citizens and visitors.

“We want this to be a safe and enjoyable holiday for all,” he stated. APD officers will work 12-hour shifts during July 4 events.

The APD said in a statement released late Thursday:

“The plan includes astrong law enforcement presence on the morning of the AJC Peachtree Road Raceand evening firework shows at Centennial Olympic Park and Lenox Square.

“The department’s 24-hour Joint Operation Center at Atlanta Public SafetyHeadquarters will be activated. Our partners from the Georgia StatePatrol, FBI, GBI, MARTA Police, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia ArmyNational Guard, GEMA as well as several City of Atlanta Departments will assistin monitoring and securing the city.

“All of these agencies will haverepresentatives on hand in the Joint Operations Center, where live feeds fromthe APD’s Operation Shield Video Integration Center will be visible. The VideoIntegration Center has more than 7,000 cameras with a number of cameras alongthe race route so that officers can keep an eye on the scene.

“The Atlanta Track Club has been meeting over several months with the Atlanta Police Department,Atlanta Fire Rescue, the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, theGeorgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA), Grady EMSand the City of Atlanta Departments of Watershed Management, Public Works andParks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

“As part of these preparations, theseagencies participated in scenario-based exercises to address potential crisisresponse.”

APD and the Atlanta Track Club urge visitors and spectators of the AJC Peachtree Road Race and other July 4 events to leave backpacks at home. Piedmont Park will have controlled access at the end of the road race. Items carried into the park are subject to search. APD says that if you must have a backpack, to pack as lightly as possible.